Two men, Omar Najera, 34, and Daniel Dipinto, 60, have been arrested in San Diego County for their involvement in a series of retail thefts across Encinitas dating back to the summer. Najera was taken into custody in Encinitas, while Dipinto was arrested in Mission Valley.
The investigation began on August 29 when deputies responded to a reported theft at the REI store on Leucadia Boulevard in Encinitas. Dipinto allegedly stole a Yeti cooler worth nearly $300 and fled in a black Audi, a vehicle later linked to several other shoplifting incidents in the area. Deputies soon connected him to additional thefts at other stores, including Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods, where items such as Yeti coolers, Legos, Tumi bags, and women’s clothing valued at approximately $6,700 were stolen.
Further investigation revealed that Dipinto had obtained stolen credit card numbers allegedly provided by Najera, who was suspected of trading the stolen credit card information for goods stolen by Dipinto. Following their arrests, law enforcement recovered additional stolen merchandise. Both men now face numerous charges related to theft and identity fraud.